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Neymar’s Dad Admits He Tried to Make His Son Stay at Barcelona Before Record-Breaking PSG Move

October 1, 2017October 1, 2017 by Sports Illustrated

From our friends at Sports Illustrated:

Neymar's Dad Admits He Tried to Make His Son Stay at Barcelona Before Record-Breaking PSG Move

Neymar's father, Neymar Santos Sr., has admitted he urged his son to stay at Barcelona ahead of his big-money move to Paris Saint-Germain, however the Brazil international was adamant he wanted to leave the Camp Nou.

In the first time the 25-year-old's parent, and agent, has spoken out surrounding the most-expensive transfer in history, he admitted the only stumbling block in the deal going through was himself.

Neymar has recorded a goal & assist in 6 out of his 8 games across all competitions for PSG.Tearing it up. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/2rhkTymFgK

"I told him that the best choice was to stay but he wanted to take a risk. It was difficult, but Neymar wanted this challenge and we supported him.

"We were all proud when he was presented at PSG. To see Neymar projected onto the Eiffel Tower was incredible. He loves everything here."

It is believed that Neymar was keen for the move in order to release himself from the shadows of other Barcelona stars, including Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, and put himself in the position to claim his first Ballon d'Or.

JOSEP LAGO/GettyImages

However, Neymar Sr. insists that his move was not made with personal gain in mind, but to enhance PSG's chances of lifting the Champions League.

"To help Paris win the Champions League motivated him", the Brazilian said.

Neymar has now been directly involved in 40 goals in 42 Champions League games in his career.23 goals ⚽️17 assists 🅰️Huge involvement. pic.twitter.com/DtabvE18Jo

"If Neymar should win the Ballon d’Or, he will, but I don’t think that he really wants it. If he wanted that he could have remained at Barcelona.

"We signed a five-year contract, so we have five years to win the Champions League with PSG."

Paris have made an excellent start in their attempts to capture their first European elite trophy, currently sitting top of Group B after a 3-0 demolition of Bayern Munich in matchweek two, and are tipped as serious contenders for this year's competition.